Nathan Qualls arrived for his graduation from Arkansas Tech University on Saturday feeling the same combination of excitement, relief and anticipation that many of his 650 fellow graduates experienced.

Little did Nathan know his family and his professors had a very big surprise waiting for him in the hallway of Tucker Coliseum.

When Qualls’ name was read and he walked across the arena floor to accept his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering, he was greeted by his brother, U.S. Army Sergeant Jared Qualls.

As they embraced, the Qualls brothers received a standing ovation from the crowd of 3,000 individuals in attendance.

Jared had just returned from his second overseas tour of duty as a combat engineer and wanted to surprise his brother by arriving in Arkansas in time for his commencement ceremony.

“Pure joy,” Nathan Qualls said when asked how he felt when he saw his brother walk onto the arena floor.

“The lady said we have a special message and I was wondering what was going on, but when they said the word brother and I saw him, it was pretty awesome. I was only planning on being able to see him a couple of days during Christmas break, and now that I get to see him more it means a lot. It makes the holidays and my graduation more meaningful than what they already were.”

A product of Johnson County Westside High School, Jared Qualls served in Afghanistan from 2010-11 and in Kuwait during 2013.

“I haven’t seen (Nathan) in about a year, so this was a very good surprise for the family,” Jared Qualls said.

“I knew it would bring a little more to his graduation. The ovation meant everything to me. It was amazing. I am so thankful. We’re all extremely proud of Nathan.”

Jared’s and Nathan’s father, David Qualls, worked with Dr. Pat Buford, associate dean of engineering at ATU, to make the reunion at graduation possible.

Dr. Willy Hoefler, dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Dr. John W. Watson, vice president for academic affairs, also helped bring the plan to fruition. “I want to extend to all of the administration at Arkansas Tech University my deepest heart-felt thank you for orchestrating this reunion,” David Qualls said. “Nathan has worked extremely hard and we are all proud of him. He was totally surprised.”

Saturday marked Jared Qualls’ first visit to ATU commencement, but he does not believe it will be his last. Jared, who attended ATU in 2008 before entering the service, will return to the Russellville campus as a sophomore in 2014.

He will study mechanical engineering with plans to graduate from ATU in 2017.